PHOTOS: Western celebrates another league title after win in final spring home game

Western quarterback Anthony Barbosa drops back to pass Friday night. (Photos courtesy Victor Baltazar)

Western High’s final home game of the abbreviated spring season turned out to be a special one.

The Pioneers defeated Santa Ana Valley 61-0 Friday night to capture the Orange League title and their third league championship in a row under Coach Dan Davidson.

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Soane Motuliki carries the ball for Western Friday night.

Matthew Berenji, one of Western's captains, was the team's top receiver Friday.

Drew Faulkner of Western drops back to pass.

Western players prepare for Friday's game with Santa Ana Valley.

Western is back in the Orange League this season.

“We are super excited to be back in the Orange League with our neighboring schools,” Davidson said. “To come out of this challenging season as league champions makes me feel so great for this group of young men.

“We worked out five times a week since the pandemic started. We had zoom meetings, showing ways to exercise around the house, techniques, videos, you name it and we tried it. This perseverance will shine on with these guys for many years to come, not only in football, but as their adventures in life continue they will be ready to step up to anything that comes their way.”

Western quarterback Anthony Barbosa, a senior, led the team, completing 14 of 17 passes for 283 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed six times for 83 yards and two touchdowns.

Sophomore Drew Faulkner came in and threw a touchdown pass and also caught a touchdown pass.

Matthew Berenji was the Pioneers’ leading receiver with 86 yards and a touchdown and on defense, he also had an interception. Michael Sutton-Shy had five catches for 66 yards and two touchdowns and Israel Cruz had three catches for 85 yards.

Johnny Martinez had six rushes for 83 yards and two touchdowns.

The Pioneers’ defense was also solid all night.

“Soane Motuliki and Chris Lozano had an amazing day on defense holding Santa Ana Valley to three first downs and a total of 73 yards. The two middle linebackers made their reads and hit their gaps with speed, power and tenacity, ” Davidson said.

Motuliki had 11 tackles and Lozano led the team with 13 lead tackles. He also had a rushing touchdown.

Western (4-0) wraps up the spring season Friday night playing at Century.